Mayo call for review of school bus capacity due to Covid rates

There is an urgent need to revisit the requirement for physical distancing in the school transport system, a Mayo TD has stated.

Deputy Alan Dillon elaboratred: "We know that five- to 12-year-olds are now the group with the highest Covid incident rate.

"I have been contacted by a local private bus operator providing school transport services who has raised serious concern about the removal of physical distancing requirements.

"The operator carries out hundreds of school bus contracts daily and has seen an increasing number of bus drivers testing positive for Covid-19.

"Needless to say, operators are seeking the extension of physical distancing within our school bus transport system.

"I have contacted the Department of Education directly on this matter."

In response, Tanáiste Leo Varadkar outlined: "In line with the lifting of restrictions on public transport, and with effect from the return of schools following the October mid-term break, implementation commenced for post primary school transport services to resume operating at 100% capacity.

"With regard to post-primary special needs transport services, the department will work with schools on a case-by-case basis where such services are required to continue operating at 50% capacity.

"All measures in relation to hygiene, preassigned seating, cleaning and the wearing of masks by post-primary students will remain subject to further review."